Cedar Falls vs Davenport: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Cedar Falls, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Falls, IA | Davenport, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,583▲ | $54,533 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.17▲ | $26.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,583 | $46,351▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,173▲ | $50,212 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,112▲ | $60,811 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,790▲ | $67,842 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 30▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Falls, IA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.
The salary gap between Cedar Falls and Davenport is $4,050 (7.43%). Cedar Falls's median is -10.44% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Falls spans $34,207,Davenport spans $21,491. Cedar Falls has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Falls ($64,804 effective) pays 5.86% more than Davenport ($61,219 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,583/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,790)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,804)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Cedar Falls grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Cedar Falls, IA
$46,570 (2024) → $55,991 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$46,350 (2021) → $52,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Falls, IA
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Cedar Falls or Davenport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Falls and Davenport?
Should I relocate from Cedar Falls to Davenport as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Cedar Falls vs Davenport?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov